In New Orleans, where Mardi Gras traditions melt into Ash Wednesday, Rex stopped his parade for the traditional toast at 2525 St. Charles Ave., home since 1907 to several kings of carnival. The residence of 2002 Rex, William Grace Jr., seen chatting with 2019 Rex, Robert S. Boh, was gutted Feb. 20 in a seven-alarm fire, prompting him to erect the Ash Wednesday sign at reviewing stands in front of his home.